She attended the event as a Lady-Gracious SA 2016 finalist and received her crown at a gala event, held in Boksburg last Saturday.
“What makes this title even more special, is the fact that I was nominated by all the other finalists of the competition,” she says.
Read: Gracious Leonie
The 150 guests were entertained by all the participants, who staged a drama titled ‘Skit of love’, that depicts creation – how man fell into the sins of the world and how God is still fighting for him and to save him.
The drama was followed by the finalists’ performance on the catwalk in their evening gowns, with real French flair.
Raven Nell won the Lady-Gracious SA Little Miss 2016 division, with Meghan Herbst winning the Lady-Gracious SA Teen 2016 and Corlia Callegaro is the new Lady-Gracious SA 2016.
“Although I’m not the overall winner of the competition, I know that the road doesn’t end here for me,” says Leonie.
Read: Passionate moment for Leonie
She is going to focus more on charity work, which will involve a school with special needs students; and also senior citizens.
Another future plan is to get involved with an organisation which distributes monthly sanitary packs.
“Being part of this competition was a life changing experience, which has pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Leonie added.
She believes God has great plans for her future, therefore she would like to thank God, her family, friends, her sponsors and the community, as well as the Advertiser, for their loyal support during her nine months as a Lady-Gracious SA 2016 finalist.
“Without them, I would definitely not be able to walk the path of spiritual and inner growth,” Leonie concluded.